Monday, February 23, 2009

My mom gave me a book in 1995 that has stayed one of my favorites (she knows me well). One of the quotes in it says,

"A good host puts the first stain on the tablecloth."

- anonymous

That quote has really stuck with me since I first read it. I think it's so important for people to feel comfortable and never intimidated. One of the ways I try to "live out" this quote is to use tablecloths that already have stains. :) Remember the vintage tablecloths I got two weekends ago for $3 each? I used one tonight and even after good stain-treating and laundering, it has some stains. Some "collectors" would shun this but to me it shows it's been used and loved and makes it so much easier to use and splash balsamic vinegar and drag blackberry juice across as we did tonight. Not that we did on purpose at all but if you're going to eat and enjoy it sometimes messes happen. We shared fellowship with a great friend and didn't worry one smidge about the tablecloth.

The stain was already there.

See it?

So, we don't worry about it, enjoy ourselves, enjoy catching up, share life, eat a good meal and then just throw the tablecloth in the wash.

Have a good night. Kelly

p.s. if you're curious about the book, the link will take you to amazon where you can see it. In googling the author, Judie Byrd, I just learned that she lives nearby in Fort Worth and is the creator of Super Suppers. How cool is that? And Judie, if you ever google your name and run across my blog, thanks for writing this book! I've received much encouragement and inspiration from it over the years. Kelly

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

hello and welcome to wedding Wednesday! I got all of my professional pictures back and they are absolutely stunning! I love them so much! Rachel Wilks (now Rachel Debell) is our photographer. She and her sister Abby actually. These ladies are AMAZING and WONDERFUL and I am oh, oh so glad we had them.

I used brooches that belonged to my mom, grandma, great-grandma and Adrian's mom and great-grandmother on the ribbon of my bouquet.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

(honestly, that's uncanny to me that Deborah even knew whose recipe I was using but then at the same time it doesn't surprise me at all because that is so like her. She is a genius in the kitchen and very intuitive about cooking sorts of things AND she's going to be a mommy the third time over in just DAYS!!! So exciting!!)

It should also come as no surprise that Tiffany guessed correctly since she is a baker extraordinaire! She makes excellent cakes and in fact made two of my shower cakes.

I like the bright colors and cheerful flowers. It would be fun on a kitchen table, on a picnic or displayed in some way.

To enter the giveaway just leave a comment. To make things a little more interesting, maybe just tell me how you think you'll use the tablecloth, something you like about my blog, how you found my blog or just something you're thankful for today.

I will draw the winner on Thursday.

All comments received through Wednesday will be entered in the drawing.

You are eligible if you live in the U.S. Also, please note that this is a vintage tablecloth. There are some signs of use which I think show that it has been used and loved and given character. It is in good condition and I would absolutely use it on my table but I don't want anyone expecting perfection and being disappointed. :)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

I don't know about you but I really like to read blog posts where people show things they've found at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. I'm not even really quite sure why I like it so much but if you think you might like it too, check out this, this, this, this and this and see if it's not fun!

So yesterday, one of the many things we did as we had a day of adventure together exploring our own city was to go into a thrift store that we stumbled upon. I saw the rows of linens hanging pretty quickly and wandered over to take a look. I found vintage tablecloths!!! I have bought them at flea markets or antique stores but never have been the one to uncover such gems at a thrift store! One was $2.49 and the others were $2.99!!! How amazing! I am used to seeing them for $20-$30 at antique stores and quietly admiring them and then just leaving them there. This was a happy day!

Aren't those pink and red roses above just wonderful for Valentine's Day?

Look at these sweet roses and ribbons? So soft and feminine.

I love the so sophistication of the gray. :)

And I walked by this 25th anniversary glass several times. Why do I need a 25th anniversary glass? We're only 4 months into our marriage. Everyone I could think of is past the 25 year mark or is far from it. hmmm . . . something about it though just tugged at my heart strings and I finally put it in my basket.

I also bought this plate for hanging on the wall and a few gifts but of course I can't show those finds in case the recipients read this. :)

Friday, February 13, 2009

So, wasn't it about two years ago that leggings started popping up on little girls. Oh so cute under skirts and dresses.

So then they start showing up for bigger people but still no one I know really wears them.

Well in the last week or two I've seen quite a handful of the teachers at my school in leggings.

As for my self, I have not yet been temped to get into the leggings fashion trend this time around but I did want to see what the rest of you are doing. Should I stick with no leggings? Join the trend? What do you think?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

When I thought of our reception and what I wanted it to be like, I really wanted the feel of a family gathering. I wanted it to be homey. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable. I wanted long rows of tables with different wooden chairs down either side. Well, where in the world to you get hundreds of different wooden chairs (even though they have pics like that in the magazines) and if the tables were all pushed together into really long tables then no one could move around them easily. So, since we had a real wedding, not one that only gets photographed for a magazine, this is what we came up with and I love the way it looks!

photo by Rachel Debell

photo by Rachel Debell

photo by my friend Jenni

photo by my friend Jenni

photo by my friend Jenni

Two of my aunts sewed the table runners that add to the illusion of length. My friends Emily, Rachel and Sarah decorated the tables with all my stuff and countless people helped iron & lay out tablecloths, light candles, etc. It was so much fun!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Adrian and I took a road trip from Missouri to Texas a couple summers ago.

I searched online before we went to see if I could find any "gems" that we could experience along the way. I don't remember how I found this little place but the Kuku Burger is definitely worth a stop if you're driving through Miami, Oklahoma. It is right off the turnpike I think and also on historic Route 66. ("If you ever plan to motor west . . .")